Act 1: Burning East

Note: For simplicity's sake, the names used will just be the country's own name to avoid confusion. I will also be using other countries not featured in Axis Power – Hetalia. In advance, I apologise if I may have stereotyped any national entities.

On 1 August 1894, the First Sino-Japanese War broke out, pitting China against Japan over domination of East Asia. One of their fields of battle was over Taiwan, an island in the Yellow Sea. It has been warred over by both powers, and ultimately…

Wang Yao, or China, marched along the sandy coasts of an island. He donned white pants and a red changpao, the traditional wear since the assimilation of the Manchu tribes since 1644. The final feature was the red straw hat with a single peacock feather sticking out, along with the long dao strapped to his waist. China then looked into the vast sea of blue before, and he turned back to a small town by the coasts.

Chinatown was the name of the place, only one of the many Chinatowns built all over the world. While the Chinatown of London and San Francisco were large, this one by the coast was still under construction. In fact, the only building there was a small Chinese hut with two stone lions by the sides. A yellow flag with an azure dragon emblazoned on it stood on top of the hut. China walked towards the hut, and opened it.

Inside those doors, there was a young maiden seated there. She had a pink flower in her hair, and attired in a long peach qipao with sleeves that covered the entire length of the arms and a white skirt, both made out of silk. However, her expression of disgust sullied her beauty in China's presence.

"Dalu…" Taiwan spoke, "how long you intend to keep me locked up here?"

"I am only protecting you from that ingrate Japan," China claimed, "After he had convinced Korea to rebel against me, you're my only stand left."

"You…" Taiwan rebuked, "I remember before, when you refuse to put me on the map when I had accepted you. I should've joined Malaysia and his gang."

"They have fallen under the influence of those foreign devils and had forgotten the True Way," China said, "I have taught you and the others to be civilised and good governance, yet all of you only rebel."

"Times have changed and you know it," Taiwan said, "the Europeans have come and you don't dare admit your time is up."

"I shall one day expel the barbarians, but I must first discipline my juniors," China explained, "once I defeat Japan, Mongolia and Korea will be no problem and I shall win."

Suddenly, a young trooper of the Chinese marched to the hut. He looked very weary, and was bleeding from his hips. At the doors, he just collapsed and lied down.

"China, the Japanese fleet has arrived," he declared in his dying breath, "the fortifications are tearing down and we are losing badly."

"So Japan has finally come for me…" Taiwan said, "He'll save me."

"Time for the elders to punish the deviate," China said.

He turned around and pulled out his dao, before leaving Taiwan to herself in the hut.

Outside along the coasts, it was reduced to mere devastation with flames burning the gates of Chinatown. The defenders had perished in the sudden attacks as cannons rained down from above.

By the sea, there was the Japanese fleet hoisting the Sun flag with rays. On a leading ship among the fleet, the dreaded commander and deviate stood and gazed down on China – Honda Kiko, Japan.

Japan was a young man with Asiatic features. Unlike China, Japan wore a white naval suit with golden epautelle on the shoulders. His black hair was cut neatly and short, unlike China's ponytail. In his hands, he held his katana.

Suddenly, Japan leapt down and pulled out the blade of his katana for a surprise attack. China instantly countered with his dao, and threw his foe to the ground.

"Japan, you have changed much since before," China said, "before you were eager to learn from me. Now you betray me for those foreign devils."

"China, I only aim to grow stronger," Japan answered, "these foreign devils are indeed dangerous lot, but we must learn of their power. Then, we can use it against them."

"And you would strike your own friends on your side of the world for that," China said.

"I only aim to be stronger, that is my only cause to exist," Japan coldly replied, "I came here to prove the world of my newfound might, even if it means to humiliate you."

Japan silently raised his katana up in the air, and more cannonballs rained down on the island and damaged it even more. From the ruins, Taiwan was standing there, seeing the final fight before her.

"Without damaging you personally, I have easily destroyed your final stand," Japan said, "you can sue for peace before I truly crush you."

"I will not bow down to barbarians, even those whom I call my brothers!" China cried.

He then charged in with his dao for his attack, and so did Japan. With one swift strike, both nations stood still in the beach. Soon, the victor was made clear as a large scar was cast over China's back and he fell. The victorious Japan walked towards Taiwan.

"As the victor, I will take away Taiwan from you," Japan said, "one by one, I shall retake all of Asia from the Europeans and lead the Asians myself. Then, I will have grown strong enough."

Though lying down in defeat, China was in deep thought over Japan's words.

"Perhaps… it is I who needs to change…" he muttered, "…I must find a way… a way to reform…"

And so did China reform himself. By 1949, the new People's Republic of China was declared from the ruins of World War II. By the 80s, China has set himself on the world stage for its comeback.